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Stephen A. Smith: NBA Players Down on Memphis Due to Crime
- On June 17, 2025, during an episode of First Take, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith claimed that several NBA players, including Jimmy Butler, are reluctant to join the Memphis Grizzlies due to concerns over the city's safety and crime levels.
- Smith made these claims amid discussions about the Grizzlies possibly moving on from Ja Morant and the recent trade of Desmond Bane on June 15, reflecting unease about the team's future.
- Memphis continues to have crime levels above the national norm, especially in violent offenses, although there has been a notable decline in both property crimes and overall violent crime rates in early 2025.
- Smith welcomed a Memphis mayoral invitation to visit the city, writing "I'm looking forward to it," while Morant defended Memphis and expressed pride in staying with the Grizzlies.
- Smith's comments highlight ongoing concerns about Memphis's safety that could influence player decisions and team dynamics, despite local efforts to show progress and support from city leaders and Morant.
21 Articles
21 Articles
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith says he will visit Memphis at Mayor Young's request
Days after claiming that NBA players avoid playing for the Memphis Grizzlies due to crime concerns in the city, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said in a social media post that he will visit Memphis at the request of Mayor Paul Young.
Stephen A. causes stir after naming US city where crime scares away NBA stars
STEPHEN A. Smith created a stir after suggesting that a city with high crime rates could deter NBA stars from joining a team. The ESPN star Smith made the claim during Tuesday’s edition of First Take. Stephen A. Smith sitting at the 2025 Disney Upfront this monthGetty ESPNSmith turned heads with his comments concerning the city of Memphis when speaking about Grizzlies star Ja Morant[/caption] During the hit debate program, Stephen A. Smith dove …
Sports Fans 'Done' With ESPN's Stephen A. Smith
How Much Money ESPN Pays Stephen A. Smith (1:02) ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith was once considered a fan favorite in the NBA world. However, fans have grown tired of his antics.During the 2024-25 NBA season, Smith received plenty of backlash for his feud with LeBron James. It went from a one-time altercation to him taking shots about the four-time NBA champion's character. He even suggested that James missed the legendary Kobe Bryant's memor…
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